The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1887-10-21
Ministers Sons.

The fact that Judge Greenbank.
who within few days has passed from
earth. was the son of clergyman, is
suggestive of some reflections touching
this class of the community. And the
subject is of special interest. when it is
remembered that Ex-Governor Patti
son. Srnator-elect Quay, Judge Strong,
of the Supreme Court of the United
States. and President Cleveland, not to
mention many others occupying posi-
tions Of honor and influence under the
General and State Governments, are Of
clerical parentage.
1t used to be thought by many. and
sometimes said, that the SONS of minis
tiers were comparative failures, as far
as worldly promotion and prosperity
are concerned. But such Judgment
arose from limited observation, or had
less credible origin. The history OF
the country will show that they have
done much to dignity and adorn its
places of trust and power, as much,
certainly, as any others of equal num-
Der and different descent. Now and
then, it is true. instances are found
among them Of the disappointment of
public expectation by prohigacy or pc
nury, but, us Il rule, they make the
most of their gifts and circumstances,
and win laudable success.
This happy result is due, in part, to
the good education they receive. Cler-
gymen, being Intelligent men, us Il mat
ter Of course appreciate the develop
ment of the intellect and spare no effort
to secure this great blessing for their
children. They know that knowledge
is power, and hence do all they can.
under the impulse of affection and am
bition, to place this instrument of use
fulness within the grasp Of those with
the moulding of whose charcter and
destiny they are so largely intrusted
The catalogues of our colleges, law
schools and theological seminaries dc
great credit in this respect to the mem
hers of the clerical profession.
There is. however another and per
haps equally potent reason for the re-
suit in question. No class of profes-
sional men are so poorly paid for then
services us preachers of the gospel.
Their compensation is IL mere bagatellt
compared with what it should be. Men
who might make fortune i'll the pur.
suits Of trade or science are often
doomed 10 be satisfied with meagrt
competence in the labors Of the pulpit
While this truth is damaging to tn,
generosity, not 10 say the business o.
their tlockS, Vet it is, after all, perhaps
we'll that it is truth. 1t gives the pub
| lie confidence in the men who thus toll
for Inadequate pay while they coul,
aggrandize themselves by turning aside
to other vocationS. Besides. mothe
good result comes from it. These Min
istcrs' sons, are aware that they have
no earthly inheritance to expect, have
their energies reused, and are stlmula
ted To activity for the future. Con
srious of their dependence on their own
efforts, improve TO the utmost thel
talents and opportunities.
And thus it comes to pass that WhiI
the sons of atliucnt parents often ne
only lose their patrimony by indolenc
and extravaganza. but become pigmle
in mental and social growth, man.
sons of ministers whose salaries were St
limited that they could scarcely NEE
the demands Of deccnt livelihood
rise t. pn-ts Of distinction and fill
them, too, ,..t. an ability and lidellt
8. lei, 10 A.. hoHor to their preHlou
traininr.